This week sees a newer, more efficient version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI become available to order. The new A3 significantly undercuts the original on emissions and boosts emissions due to it aerodynamic modifications, start-stop recuperation technology along with advance common rail fuel injection – a remarkable feat considering the A3 1.6 TDI is already the most economical car, in terms of CO2 output, within the premium car sector.

According to Audi, the A3 1.6 TDI’s CO2 output has been cut down to 99g/km, boosting its combined economy to 74.3mpg, which is significant step up from current variations of the 1.6 TDI which offer a class-leading combination of 69.9mpg and 109g/km CO2 output.

From what we can gather, the key reason for the new A3’s increased efficiency can be attributed to its refined standard five-speed manual transmission, a reduced ride height, a revised under body that reduces aerodynamic drag and lighter 15-inch alloy wheels.

Although minor by themselves, these alterations are synergised perfectly with Audi’s innovative Start-Stop technology and energy recuperation system to deliver its remarkable combined economy figure.

The best part is that these improvements are at no expense to the established A3 versions. The Audi A3 1.6 TDI carries the same 105PS power output and 250Nm torque peak as other versions. Meaning the new version can match performance, clearing 62mph from rest in 11.4 seconds and offering the option to continue to 121mph.

Overall, the A3 is another worthy ambassador of Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik ideology; championing the cause with boundary pushing efficiency.

A week after we announced that Audi was cleaning the premium sector with the next gen of Audi A3 with array of highly efficient diesel and also petrol engines comes the first accolade for this eco-friendly generation of Audi A3s.

The Audi A3 TDI earned the prestigious title of 2010 Green Car of the Year. The announcement was made yesterday morning during the L.A Auto Show as Ron Rogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of Greencar.com presented the award to Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen.

Since 2005 the Green Car Journal has been awarding manufacturers who are working hard towards developing vehicles with an environmental concern. This year the Audi A3 TDI emerged victorious among five other finalists.

The trailblazing TDI 2.0 engine powering the A3 delivers 140hp with an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves a remarkable 50 mpg (42 mpg US) fuel efficiency, lowest in its segment. That means the Audi A3 TDI achieves 50% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.

“We consider the Green Car of the Year® title one of the most important industry accolades. It is of paramount importance for us to develop vehicles that achieve the very touchstones this award stands for: fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Rather than novelty features, we consider these attributes imperative to the future of automobile design. We are honoured with this recognition for the Audi A3 TDI.” said Johan de Nysschen, President Audi of America.

The Audi A3 TDI was not the only model to take an accolade back to Ingolstadt, the Audi A5 was named 2010’s Best Resale Value Award luxury car winner by Kelley Blue Book’s (www.kbb.com) and was honoured in two categories: Top 10 Model overall and Best Luxury Car. Not only did the Audi Q7 take home the Earth, Wind & Power(SM) environmental award, it was only named Most Environmentally Progressive Truck of the Year.